Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I have to say that I agree it makes perfect economic sense to retire the denomination of the penny and, in fact, reemploy the dollar coin in ordinary commerce.

As a Representative of Illinois, I cannot but mention the fact that the loss of the image of Abraham Lincoln on coins we often use is a tragedy that we can and should avert. The way to do that is to simply place the image of Abraham Lincoln on the newly minted dollar coin, a win-win every way you look at it.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Stutzman for his partnership on this legislation and my colleagues on the House Financial Services Committee for their unanimous

support of the bipartisan FUTURES Act.

The FUTURES Act takes important first steps to modernize the financial regulatory regime and ensures that regulators have appropriate tools for the 21st century.

It requires Federal banking regulators and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to regularly review their technological systems and procurement practices to ensure that they are well-equipped to address emerging threats.

Agencies will examine whether they have access to the right information when they need it and whether they have systems in place to identify rapidly emerging risk.

The bill then asks regulators to develop a plan to address any technology gaps that they identify, requiring additional reviews every 5 years.

As we saw with the bank failures in 2023, 24-hour banking tools and social media-fueled panic can intensify bank runs and increase the risk of contagion.

Silicon Valley Bank's depositors attempted to withdraw $42 billion from the bank in 24 hours, with more than $100 billion in additional withdrawals requested before it was shut down and put into receivership by the FDIC.

This bill comes at a time when financial institutions and regulators are responding to new opportunities and challenges stemming from emerging technologies. Artificial intelligence and agentic commerce have great potential benefits for consumers and businesses, but they also have the potential to supercharge cybersecurity risk, contagion, and fraud, and can destabilize our financial system far more quickly than in years past.

At the same time, these technologies provide tools that regulators and financial institutions can use to improve and simplify bank supervision, to identify suspicious activity, and to improve the quality of customer service.

Maintenance of a well-regulated financial system requires continual investment in new tools, a workforce with the necessary technical skills, and streamlined procurement rules that allow regulators to keep up with rapid developments in the private sector.

I support this forward-looking and bipartisan bill, and I encourage my colleagues to vote ``yes.''

Mr. Speaker, on September 1, 2026, I missed a recorded vote. Had I been present, I would have voted No on Roll Call No. 291, the Northeast Lobsterman Protection Act of 2026.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Tri City Health Partnership as it celebrates its 25th anniversary of providing compassionate, high-quality health care to residents of Central Kane County.

Since opening its doors in 2001, Tri City Health Partnership has played an indispensable role in our community by ensuring that uninsured individuals and families have access to the medical and dental services they need.

Tri City was founded on a simple but powerful principle that no one should have to go without basic health care simply because they cannot afford it. Its mission is to provide quality health care in an environment of mutual respect while promoting better health choices through education and preventive care.

That mission is reflected in the breadth of services Tri City provides. Its volunteer physicians, dentists, health care professionals, and dedicated staff help patients receive preventive and ongoing care, including medical examinations, dental services, chronic disease management, screenings, medications, and other essential services. By helping patients address health concerns early, Tri City works to prevent manageable conditions from becoming serious or life- threatening illnesses.

Tri City Health Partnership provides more than health care. It provides dignity, compassion, and peace of mind. Patients who walk through its doors can receive high-quality care in an environment where they are treated with respect and without the fear of overwhelming medical bills. For people who have struggled to navigate our health care system, that welcoming environment can be life-changing.

Over its 25 years of service, Tri City Health Partnership has become a trusted institution in Central Kane County. Its impact can be measured not only in the thousands of medical and dental visits it has provided, but also in the healthier families, prevented illnesses, and improved quality of life made possible through its work.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have Tri City Health Partnership in my district and grateful for its 25 years of service to the people of Kane County. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the organization's staff, volunteers, supporters, and everyone who has contributed to its remarkable legacy.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Bolingbrook Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5917 as they celebrate their 50th anniversary, marking five decades of service, patriotism, and steadfast commitment to our Nation's veterans and the public.

Under the leadership of Post Commander Greg Palmer and through the dedication of its officers and members, VFW Post 5917 has served as a vital pillar of the community. The Post upholds the mission of the Veterans of Foreign Wars by fostering camaraderie among veterans, honoring the fallen through funeral honors and memorial services, and supporting veterans and their families through casework and social services. In addition to supporting veterans, the Post makes a meaningful impact through its involvement in local blood drives and participation in the VFW Voice of Democracy student scholarship program.

Mr. Speaker, VFW Post 5917 stands as a testament to the enduring strength, sacrifice, and unity of America's veterans. I am proud to recognize its 50 years of service to our veterans, their families, and the Bolingbrook community. I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating this milestone and honoring VFW Post 5917's continued commitment to supporting the individuals who fought to defend and preserve the freedoms we hold dear.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark the International Day Against Nuclear Tests.

August 29, 2026, marks 35 years since Kazakhstan's historic decision to close the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site. In tribute to that decision, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously designated August 29 as the International Day Against Nuclear Tests in 2009, drawing global attention to the devastating human and environmental consequences of nuclear testing.

This milestone reflects Kazakhstan's sustained commitment to nuclear nonproliferation, international oversight, and practical security cooperation, including its close partnership with the United States.

The consequences of nuclear testing are deeply understood in both our countries. 1,054 U.S. nuclear tests, over 200 of which were atmospheric, exposed servicemembers, workers, and downwind communities to radioactive fallout. At Semipalatinsk, 456 Soviet nuclear tests between 1949 and 1989 exposed over 1 million people and left a lasting human and environmental toll.

The Nevada-Semipalatinsk Movement, which united citizens affected by nuclear testing in Kazakhstan and the United States, helped generate the public momentum necessary to end testing at the site.

After inheriting the world's fourth-largest nuclear arsenal, Kazakhstan voluntarily relinquished those weapons and chose security through diplomacy, international cooperation, and nonproliferation.

The United States was a close partner in this historic transformation. Through the Nunn-Lugar Cooperative Threat Reduction Program, our countries eliminated weapons and delivery systems, dismantled nuclear infrastructure, sealed test tunnels, and secured dangerous materials. Project Sapphire alone removed nearly 600 kilograms of highly enriched uranium from Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan has continued to put these principles into practice. It hosted two rounds of P5+1 negotiations with Iran in 2013, supported implementation of the 2015 nuclear agreement, and now hosts the IAEA Low Enriched Uranium Bank at the Ulba Metallurgical Plant.

Mr. Speaker, when a country takes responsible actions, we should ensure to highlight it as a good thing. The closure of the Semipalatinsk Test Site, Kazakhstan's efforts to denuclearize, and the creation of the International Day Against Nuclear Tests prove that nonproliferation is not an abstract aspiration, but a practical instrument of national security and diplomatic problem-solving.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Aurora Fastprint as it celebrates its 50th anniversary, marking half a century as a family-owned staple of the Aurora community.

Founded in 1976 by Tom Bartlett, Aurora Fastprint has provided high- quality, full-service printing services to businesses, nonprofit organizations, schools, municipalities, and residents throughout the Fox River Valley. Whether showcasing the work of a local poet in its storefront windows during Poetry Month or sponsoring a holiday food drive for the Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry, Aurora Fastprint has consistently demonstrated its commitment to the community. Its storefront in Aurora's historic downtown district has become home to a notable and respected local business.

Over the last 50 years, Aurora Fastprint has demonstrated remarkable resilience and innovation. As technology and the needs of the community have evolved, Aurora Fastprint has adapted and evolved too. By expanding beyond traditional printing services to offer graphic design, digital printing, and Every Door Direct Mail service, the company has adapted to the changing needs of its clients. Now, in its second generation of ownership under Bartlett's daughter Kim Woodin, Aurora Fastprint has grown alongside and supported the community it serves.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud that Aurora Fastprint calls my district home. Its remarkable 50-year history is a testament to the company's enduring commitment to service, reliability, innovation, and the Aurora community. I am confident that Aurora Fastprint will continue to thrive for generations to come.

Mr. Chair, I claim the time in opposition to the amendment.

Mr. Chair, this amendment is unnecessary, and I urge everyone to oppose it.

The Department of Energy Laboratories are on to this problem, and they have been on to it for decades.

Prior to serving in Congress, I spent over 20 years at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, where we had Russian collaborators during the heart of the Cold War. Some of the very first experiments that were done at Fermi National Lab had Russian participants, and we had incredibly competent scientists coming and visiting.

It was actually kind of amusing. When you had a group of Russian collaborators, there would be five brilliant scientists and then one guy who was not a very good physicist. He was the KGB guy, and everyone laughed about it.

We had this under control. It was also a huge benefit to the United States not only because of the brilliant assistance we had to grow our science

program, but also, frankly, as a source of intelligence assets because these brilliant scientists would go back to Russia, and we would maintain interesting communications with them.

That is especially important today because China has basically installed the surveillance state. It is very difficult for us to maintain human assets in China, but this is one of the only opportunities that we have to actually develop high-level scientific assets. From that point of view alone, this is a wrong amendment.

It is not just me who feels this way. Donald Trump's Department of Energy opposes this, and I will just read verbatim their comment on it:

``This amendment effectively imposes an outright prohibition on access to DOE national laboratories for all foreign nationals from countries of concern, regardless of their mode of access. While intended to address security concerns, this sweeping restriction will severely disrupt the national laboratory research and development ecosystem and key administration research priorities,'' from the Trump administration.

``The Office of Science and other DOE lab-stewarded programs have a significant number of international scientists and engineers who serve as employees, users of SC scientific user facilities, or collaborative visitors. These individuals already undergo indices checks and extensive, multi-layered risk mitigation measures prior to receiving Laboratory access. By bypassing these tailored, risk-based protocols in favor of a blanket ban, this amendment will disrupt essential scientific human resources who greatly contribute to domestic scientific competitiveness.''

Mr. Chair, it is not often that I agree with the Trump administration, but they pretty much nailed that one. This amendment is unnecessary and counterproductive.

Mrs. Hinson's amendment has identified a concern about the impact of foreign nationals from countries like Russia, China, and Iran, but principally China. However, this amendment is just unnecessarily restrictive on our national laboratories.

Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to join me in opposing this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Richard A. Kwasneski on his retirement as the Chairman of the Pace Suburban Bus Board of Directors after an outstanding career in public service.

A short time after graduating from Lewis University, Richard Kwasneski began his distinguished career in public service with the Village of Lemont, Illinois. Richard first served as a village trustee in 1985, before taking on the larger responsibility of mayor from 1993 to 2001.

On August 28, 2002, Richard began a long and esteemed tenure with Pace when he was appointed as the representative from Southwest Cook County to the Board of Directors of Pace Suburban Bus. On December 7, 2006, he was appointed Chairman of the Pace Suburban Bus Board of Directors, a position he held with distinction for nearly two decades. As the longest-serving chairman in the agency's history, Richard's leadership was so highly regarded that he was reappointed for five consecutive terms.

Throughout his time with Pace, Richard cultivated vital partnerships to enhance service delivery and infrastructure investments across a service area of 274 communities. His forward-thinking approach led to the successful implementation of innovative programs such as Bus on Shoulder along I-55 and I-94, Flex Lane Express Service along I-90, Pulse Rapid Transit, and On Demand services. Furthermore, Richard was instrumental in securing two federal RAISE grants for the reconstruction of the Harvey Transportation Center and the construction of the Pulse Halsted Line, along with leading the push for the advancement of Pace's Regional ADA Paratransit Program. Finally, Richard oversaw the largest investment in suburban transit infrastructure through the Rebuild Illinois Program.

Beyond his work with Pace, his contributions to regional economic development through the Joliet Arsenal Development Authority and his leadership on the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Board Executive Committee have left a lasting impact on his community.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to represent such an honorable community leader in my district. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Richard on his retirement and thanking him for his many years of service to the people of Illinois.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mary Margaret Maule for receiving the ATHENA Leadership Award from the Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce. This distinguished award honors individuals who have demonstrated excellence, creativity, and initiative in their professional endeavors.

Mary Margaret exemplifies what it means to be a community leader. With extensive experience across business, entrepreneurship, government affairs, and nonprofit leadership, she has used her unique skills and expertise to lead important community initiatives and mentor countless community leaders and professionals.

During her tenure as President of the Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce, Mary Margaret played a pivotal role in strengthening collaboration between local chambers and elected officials, thereby promoting greater awareness of the impact of public policy on small businesses. She also partnered with community stakeholders to address workforce development needs in McHenry County, helping to establish a high school-based program designed to cultivate a talent pipeline and support regional economic growth in the manufacturing sector.

Mary Margaret is currently leading Turning Point--Domestic Violence Services through a period of transition, where she has refocused organizational messaging on hope and transformation for survivors. Under her leadership, the organization has introduced new programs and expanded opportunities for professional development and empowerment for its predominantly female staff. Her commitment to service is further reflected in her work as a board member for Big Brothers Big Sisters and CASA of McHenry County, helping significantly expand their capacity to serve those in need.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to represent such a dedicated community leader, and I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mary Margaret Maule for her outstanding service to the people of McHenry County.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jason Herbster for receiving the esteemed Carl E. Wehde Award. This award, presented in memory of the late Mayor Carl E. Wehde, recognizes individuals who embody the spirit of service, leadership, and dedication

to improving the quality of life in the greater Crystal Lake area.

As the Executive Director of the Crystal Lake Park District, Jason has played a crucial role in ensuring that the community is a desirable place to live, work, and play. During his more than 35-year career in parks and recreation, he has spent more than 15 years with the Crystal Lake Park District, overseeing 42 parks and 1,400 acres of land. He also served for 15 years as a board member for the Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association (NISRA) and several years as a Chamber Ambassador, directly contributing to the growth and success of the community.

Under Jason's leadership, the Crystal Lake Park District has been recognized as a top workplace for teens in McHenry County, named a Distinguished Agency Mentor by the Illinois Association of Park Districts, and honored repeatedly by the Government Finance Officers Association. Jason's strategic vision for major community facilities, contributions to countless community events, and dedication to the Crystal Lake community are truly commendable.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to represent the community of Crystal Lake, and I ask my colleagues to join me in acknowledging Jason Herbster for his selfless service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Michelle Kidd for receiving the Robert & Rosemary Blazier Memorial Award. She has spent more than 27 years as an educator in the community, helping prepare students academically, professionally, and personally for life beyond high school.

As a lifelong member of the McHenry County community, Michelle attended McHenry County College before completing her degree at the University of Wisconsin--Whitewater. After graduation, she began her career at Cary-Grove High School and later moved to Crystal Lake South High School, where she has served as department chair for the past 15 years.

During her tenure, she has played a pivotal role in launching the D155 Micro-Internship Program, which gives students real-world exposure to careers. For approximately 10 hours each week, students work with local business partners in fields such as accounting, welding, machining, and hospitality. In the 2025-2026

school year, 196 students participated in the program, along with an additional 33 students in the summer program.

Her vision for hands-on learning opportunities has resulted in valuable experience for students and job placements immediately after high school, benefiting students, local businesses, and the broader community. She has also consistently worked to improve the work-study curriculum to better reflect evolving workforce needs.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to represent such a dedicated public servant, and I ask my colleagues to join me in acknowledging Michelle Kidd for her selfless service to the Crystal Lake community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Belvidere Lions Club as it celebrates its 80th anniversary, marking eight decades of outstanding community service and dedication to meeting local needs.

Since its founding in 1946, the Belvidere Lions Club has been a hands-on, hardworking organization, sponsoring numerous impactful and memorable projects throughout the community. Guided by its motto, ``We Serve,'' the Club remains committed to active community engagement and to strengthening the community it serves. One of the Club's top priorities is vision health, and since 2023, it has screened more than 7,000 children and adults.

Over the years, the Club has supported downtown revitalization efforts and donated a decorative clock to the City of Belvidere, now serving as the centerpiece of Hub Plaza. It continues to serve the community through projects and partnerships, including the Boone County Fair, Belvidere Youth Baseball, Fish 'n Fun, Camp Lions, Habitat for Humanity, and many others. The Club's current initiative is the development of an inclusive playground to ensure that children of all abilities can play and interact together.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize the Belvidere Lions Club for its many accomplishments, and I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating its 80 years of commitment to service, leadership, and compassion, the values that define Lions Clubs International.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Juneteenth Celebration hosted by the African American Men of Unity (AAMOU) at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park in Aurora, Illinois.

For twenty-five years, this annual celebration has served as a powerful reminder of our Nation's ongoing journey toward freedom, equality, and justice. What began as a local effort to commemorate Juneteenth has grown into one of the Fox Valley region's most enduring and meaningful celebrations of African American history, culture, and achievement.

Founded in 1999, the African American Men of Unity has long been dedicated to uplifting the community through mentorship, education, leadership development, and service. Under the leadership of Founder and Executive Director Ricky Rodgers, AAMOU has worked to create opportunities for young people, strengthen families, and promote unity throughout Aurora and the surrounding region.

Through their annual Juneteenth celebration, AAMOU has created a space where residents of all backgrounds can come together to reflect on the significance of June 19, 1865, the day enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas finally learned of their freedom more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. The event honors the resilience, perseverance, and contributions of African Americans while educating future generations about our Nation's history.

Over the past twenty-five years, the celebration has featured educational exhibits, historical tributes, storytelling, music, cultural performances, youth activities, athletic competitions, local vendors, and opportunities for community engagement. It has become a cherished tradition that brings together families, neighbors, civic leaders, and organizations in a spirit of remembrance, learning, and unity.

As we mark this milestone 25th anniversary, we also recognize the dedicated volunteers, organizers, community partners, and supporters whose commitment has sustained this celebration for a quarter century. Their work embodies the spirit of service and unity that strengthens our communities and enriches our democracy.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize this milestone anniversary, and I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the African American Men of Unity and all those who have contributed to the success of this celebration.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the Very Reverend Father Samuel Thabet, priest of St. Mark Coptic Orthodox Church of Chicago in Burr Ridge, as he marks his Golden Jubilee--50 years of faithful and devoted priestly service.

Born in Tanta Gharbia, Egypt, and raised in a devout Christian family, Father Samuel's life has been marked by unwavering faith and dedication. Ordained a deacon at just five years old, he continued serving the Church throughout his youth, guided by the late Father Bishoy Kamel and his uncle, Father Matthias El-Baramousy. After earning a degree in civil engineering and serving in the Egyptian army, he answered his lifelong calling to the priesthood and was ordained by His Holiness Pope Shenouda III in 1976.

His ministry has endured both trial and resilience. In 1981, he was imprisoned with fellow clergy under President Anwar Sadat, yet his faith never faltered. After his release, he was appointed to serve congregations in Philadelphia, Wilmington, and Atlantic City before being called in 1990 to lead Saint Mark Coptic Orthodox Church of Chicago.

Under his leadership, Saint Mark has grown to nearly 3,000 parishioners and serves a broader Coptic community of more than 15,000 across Illinois. His decades of spiritual leadership, community service, and steadfast dedication have had a profound and lasting impact on countless individuals and families. He shares this journey with his beloved wife, Tassony Ebtesam El-Neil, a devoted servant of the Church.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize such a faithful servant and respected community leader in my district. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating him on this extraordinary milestone and celebrating his profound impact on the Coptic Orthodox community and the people of Illinois.